Best Watches Under $200

You'll Never Believe These 10 Slick Watches Are All Under $200

The AskMen Acquire team thoroughly researches & reviews the best gear, services and staples for life.

When you’re ready to buy your first watch, it makes a lot of sense to start on the less expensive end. That way you can figure out what you like, need or want without sinking too much into something just to decide you don’t really care for it. The best way to determine your preferences and requirements is to try it out on your wrist. At $200 or under, you’re not likely to feel too bad if it turns out you really wanted a pilot’s watch when you bought a diver, or vice versa. Be extra smart about shopping and you can even get both.

Note that this price range doesn’t get you in to the big name brands, but it will give you an indication of whether or not a name brand is something you feel the need to pay for. The watches on this list perform many of the same functions as more expensive pieces and have plenty of style to boast about, though they may not draw an equal number of envious glances from the label-obsessed. That shouldn’t be a consideration when purchasing your first timepiece however.

$200 is a solid threshold to cross when acquiring the first in what we hope is not a long line of watches but a collection that grows with you. It may later become the watch that you wear to do chores or sports activities, but these are also good enough pieces to wear for years to come. You will never feel that you overpaid with anything on this list. Which is not something one can often say in life.

The fact is that most people, unless they’re really into watches, can’t tell the difference between a watch that costs $200 and one that costs $2,000. And all of the watches on this list have the benefit of looking like they cost much more than they actually do. There’s nothing so precious here that you have to worry much about knocking it around a bit. There are watches suited to certain activities like water sports and aviation, but that doesn’t necessarily mean you need to be a professional diver or have your pilot’s license.

Brands like Bulova, Wenger and Timex have been making solid, dependable watches at affordable prices for several decades and you can feel confident strapping one to your wrist. Strapping one to your wrist marks you out as eminently sensible, with an appreciation of quality but not a tendency to overspend. Some of these pieces may make a statement but its expressed quietly rather than shouted from the rooftops.

Because we’ve done the research for you, these are timepieces with an interesting story, a window into the world of watches that you may find gets you hooked. It can be something of a rabbit hole to be sure, but before committing to four figures on a watch that will last you a lifetime it’s a good idea to take one or two of these for a spin. They’re handsome enough to complement any outfit and tough enough to accompany you on anything from an adventurous hiking trip to your next job interview.

Seiko SKX007K Automatic Diver

Most watch guys will tell you this is the best starter watch you can get for the money, period. Affordable, classic, rugged and capable, it’s not pretending to be a more expensive watch, not does it need to be. And when you’re ready to take up diving you’ll be all set. Meanwhile you don’t need to worry about wearing it in the rain – a good initial litmus test for whether the watch is worth the money.$199.98 at Amazon.com

Seiko Prospex Solar Dive Chronograph

We think this Seiko diver has a lot more style thanks to the natty black and blue bezel, which is the outer rotating ring designed to keep track of how long you’ve been underwater. It’s also unique in that it runs on solar power. Japanese watches remain a great bargain and you can’t automatically assume anything that isn’t Swiss is inferior. This is a watch that will last a very long time and will hold its value to boot.$229.00 at Amazon.com

Citizen Eco Drive WR100 Chronograph

This is a field watch style piece inspired by vintage military issue equipment. The contrasting red second hand and rugged green canvas band give it enough style to pair perfectly with jeans and a tweed jacket. And it’s solar powered to boot. Another great Japanese watch brand that’s undervalued, which makes it eminently affordable, Citizen has been making quality timepieces since 1918.$106.74 at Amazon.com

Luminox Navy SEAL Blackout Watch

American designed, Swiss made Luminox watches are supplied to Navy SEALs, so you can bet they’re tough enough to take anything you can throw your way. This blacked out version has a stealthy, edgy vibe and a carbon-reinforced case. The Sylvester Stallone of watches, Luminoxes are for getting the job done, or at least looking like you can do it. You may also look armed and dangerous, which could be a plus depending on where you’re going. But it wears well with anything from a wetsuit to a dinner jacket.$198.79 at Amazon.com

Casio Edifice WR Stainless Steel Aviator Chronograph

The complex dial on this piece let’s you calculate things like air speed and fuel consumption when flying an aircraft, but aside from that it just looks damn cool. The stainless steel bracelet, and black and white dial with red accents are pure panache. Casio may be famous for its (now dated) digital watches, but this shows they can do analog very well. This is one piece that definitely punches above its weight price-wise.$102.16 at Amazon.com

Timex T2N700 Flyback Chronograph

Timex is one of the great affordable watch brands, and this black and tan pilot’s style piece doesn’t disappoint. The fly-back chronograph function is a slick feature found on more expensive watches and it even has a nightlight for viewing in the dark. Crafted from a solid casting of steel, it features Timex’s Intelligent Quartz tech giving it the functions of a more complex mechanical piece at a fraction of the price.$102.55 at Amazon.com

Bulova 98H51 White Dial Dress Watch

Bulova, founded in 1875, makes affordable Swiss watches that have borne witness to several of history’s most significant events including famous space exploration missions. This is a masterfully simple watch that eschews complicated displays for a reserved, elegant appearance. The rose gold-toned case also elevates it above steel models and looks great with a suit. Even James Bond wore a Bulova at one point.$119.00 at Amazon.com

Wenger Sea Force Analog Display Watch

This is a rugged piece by one of the original makers of the Swiss Army knife, founded in 1893. Water resistant to an impressive 660 feet, the silicone strap and sapphire crystal mark it as a watch made to last, maybe even longer than you need it to. Superluminova accents on the dial make it easily readable in low light or even underwater, and it has the design ethos of the Swiss Army Knife though and through.$179.00 at Amazon.com

Mondaine Elegant Display Quartz Watch

Mondaine’s watches are based on the official Swiss railway clock, a design icon that has been widely imitated the world over. Powered by a highly accurate Swiss Ronda quartz movement, the same one that makes sure the trains in Switzerland run on time. This is a very high quality piece that comes with a two-year international warranty and is well worth the price. It says that you’re interested in precision and good design.$200.00 at Amazon.com

Elgin Stainless Steel Racing Chronograph

Elgin is an American watch brand with heritage dating back to 1864 which once supplied watches to the U.S. Army. This classic stainless steel racing chronograph design has the look of a fancy Swiss piece, though the quartz movement actually comes from Japan. That just means it’s a lot more affordable. This is designed to look like a more expensive watch which is not necessarily a bad thing.$200.00 at Amazon.com

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